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04/16 18:52 CDT Devils hire ex-Panthers executive Sunny Mehta as general manager
Devils hire ex-Panthers executive Sunny Mehta as general manager
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
The New Jersey Devils have hired Sunny Mehta as their general manager, bringing
back their former director of analytics to oversee their hockey operations
department.
Owner David Blitzer announced the hire Thursday night, less than 48 hours after
the team's regular season ended without a playoff appearance. Mehta was an
assistant when the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup back to back each of
the past two years.
"We quickly realized this job was in high demand and were incredibly fortunate
to meet with many qualified candidates," Blitzer said. "Sunny's familiarity
with our organization and experience with a two-time Stanley Cup-winning team
are characteristics that will serve as a foundation for future success. Our
expectations are to be a perennial playoff team and compete for the Stanley
Cup, and I look forward to Sunny leading us there."
Mehta, 48, established the NHL's first full-fledged analytics department when
he joined his home-state Devils in 2014 and worked for them through 2018. He
spent time with Washington before going to Florida.
Raise in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Mehta grew up a Devils fan. He had a career as a
professional poker player and worked in finance before getting into hockey.
"I knew this was the place I wanted to be," Mehta said, thanking the Panthers
for the chance to take the next step in his career. "New Jersey has a
tremendous young core that will be looking to get back to being a contender, a
complement of young assets and draft picks, and a passionate fan base hungry
for success."
The Devils fired longtime GM Tom Fitzgerald late in the season. The future of
coach Sheldon Keefe is not clear.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
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